Venture far from the beaten track, get lost in wild and unknown nature or stroll through a village from another era, this is what the Hénan site offers you, a picturesque little corner which dates from the 15th century.
Not far from the town of Névez, this place which we particularly appreciate for its calm, its authenticity and its preserved nature, is the pure and harsh representation of Brittany. 40 minutes by car from the 3-star campsite in South Finistère, come and discover it!
The Hénan site
A true green setting, the Hénan site was originally called Heznant, which means residence of the valley in Breton. It is particularly appreciated by hikers for its nature which has regained its rights, for its location on the banks of the Aven, as well as for its rich and varied heritage whose vestiges bear witness to a prosperous era in the region.
Don’t hesitate to organize a short walk around the Hénan site, a few kilometers from the 3-star campsite Le Kervastard, to learn more!
The Hénan chapel
The Sainte-Marguerite chapel is an old religious building dating from the 16th century which is located in the Hénan woods, a few meters from the banks of the Aven. Originally, it was built to serve as a small church for the serfs of the castle. But today, the estate belongs to the Finistère regional council.
The Hénan chapel is small, very simple, rectangular in plan, with few openings and authentic architecture that bears witness to its time. Restored several times, it still accommodates some religious services.
The 3 fountains of Hénan
From the 16th to the 18th century, Brittany was well known for its flax and hemp production. Today, we can still find the vestiges of this production through the hemp and flax retting ponds present on the Hénan site, along the GR 34. Nearby, 3 fountains dug 5 or 6 meters apart on the other, were erected to discharge water into the basin.
Hénan Castle
Built in the 15th century by Jean de Cornouaille, the Château du Hénan stands majestically on the banks of the Aven and along the GR 34. It is easily recognizable by its large pointed arch door, but above all by its slightly leaning tower which resists better in the prevailing westerly winds.
Although it has been renovated many times, the castle takes care to keep its characteristic leaning roof intact. Visiting the castle grounds is prohibited to the public, but you can still admire its splendor from the outside, as well as its garden.
The Hénan tide mill
Built in the 15th century by Jean de Cornouaille, the tidal mill works thanks to the ebb and flow of the river. In 1972, it was purchased by the General Council of Finistère, then renovated to resume its flour production activity during a local festival. The most interesting thing is that it has kept its stone walls which come from the Kerochet quarry, located only 1 km from the mill.
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